Laser target pipe insert apparatus

Abstract

A base target apparatus for aligning a length of pipe (100) along the longitudinal axis of a pipe string wherein the target apparatus (10) includes a base unit (11) containing a target unit (13) and having one tapered end (15) which is dimensioned to be received in the bell end (101) of the pipe whereas, the other end (15') of the base unit (11) is provided with an anchor unit (12) which is dimensioned to be frictionally engaged in the spigot end (102) of the length of pipe (100).

I claim: 
     
       1. A laser target apparatus for use in combination with a laser beam generating device to align a length of pipe in a pipe string wherein each pipe has a bell end and a spigot end, and wherein the apparatus comprises: a cylindrical base unit including a narrow pipe section having a schedule size which corresponds to the schedule size of said length of pipe which is to be aligned and wherein one end of said pipe section is cut flush and dimensioned to abut against the spigot end of said length of pipe, and further provided with securing means which engage the interior of the spigot end of said length of pipe and the other end of said pipe section has a tapered portion so that the said other end can be received in the bell end of said length of pipe;   and a target unit operatively secured to the interior of said pipe section wherein said target unit comprises a target member having indicia formed on both the front and rear faces of the target member.   
     
     
       2. The apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said target member is fabricated from partially transparent dielectric material. 
     
     
       3. The apparatus as in claim 2 wherein the target member is further provided with at least one level member on one of the faces of the target member. 
     
     
       4. The apparatus as in claim 3 wherein the indicia comprises a series of horizontal and vertical lines. 
     
     
       5. The apparatus as in claim 1 further comprising: an anchor unit associated with flush cut end of the base unit wherein the anchor unit comprises a plurality of securing arms which are contoured and dimensioned to be frictionally received in the spigot end of said length of pipe.   
     
     
       6. The apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the target unit further comprises a generally thin, flat, rectangular target member. 
     
     
       7. The apparatus as in claim 6 wherein the base unit further comprises a plurality of mounting apertures which are spaced around the periphery of the base unit and which are dimensioned to engage the four corners of the said generally flat rectangular target member.